Family law
Lucy is frequently instructed in contentious and highly complex cases at all levels involving:
- The death of/catastrophic injuries to a child
- Non Accidental Head Injury (NAHI)/ Shaken baby allegations (TRIAD cases)
- Fabricated Induced Illness (FII) allegations
- Sexual abuse (Intergenerational / sibling sexual abuse / genital mutilation/ internet exploitation)
- Physical abuse (involving multiple injuries)
- Child protection cases involving concurrent criminal prosecution for physical abuse, child cruelty and neglect and sex offences.
- Vitamin D/Rickets/EDS/genetic disorders and congenital malformations which can mimic child abuse
- Parents and children with disabilities (with a particular interest in Child in Need issues, learning disability issues and the rights of, and services for, a disabled child and/or adult parent within care proceedings)
- Cases involving cross examination of children or vulnerable adults
Lucy’s court of protection work complements her family law practice, and she regularly represents local authorities and health boards in matters of welfare relating to incapacitated adults in the Court of Protection.
Lucy regularly delivers training to social care professionals
Lucy has featured in Chambers and Partners since 2018
Chambers and Partners 2025
"Lucy is an extremely talented barrister. She has a phenomenal ability to deal with paper-heavy cases quickly and efficiently and will know each page of her papers down to the last word."
"Ms Leader is a fantastic Barrister. She has incredible attention to detail, which is incredibly valuable."
"Lucy is one of the best advocates I have had the pleasure of working with. She is extremely professional and approachable in every case - whether representing a parent or child through their guardian."
Notable cases
- A Local Authority v MA, FA and X,Y & Z [2024] EWFC 45
- Swansea CC v MX & Ors [2023] EWFC 29
- Swansea v 11 Respondents [2022] EWFC 12
- Pembrokeshire County Council v Sinead James, AY, SH, Nicola James and IY and VH and Kyle Bevan [2021] EWFC 71
- Re H (Children) [2016] EWCA Civ 1131
- Swansea and XZ and another and The Press, Media and Others [2014] EWHC (Fam) 21
- Re G (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 432
- Re M (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1170
- Re MA (Care; Threshold) [2009] EWCA Civ 853
- Re MA; SA and HA [2009] EWHC 1026 (Fam)
Civil law
Employment
Lucy’s employment practice includes both Applicant and Respondent work with a particular emphasis on Unfair Dismissal and Capability Dismissals.
Lucy’s employment practice is complimented by her family and mental health/court of protection work as she regularly receives instructions to advise and represent both employees and employers, some of whom require representation in the context of family run businesses where there are underlying family disputes and/or care homes subject to the community care legislation.
Mental Capacity
Lucy’s practice spans the full range of mental capacity law and the interface between the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Lucy has completed the MHLA accreditation scheme course and is available to advise on all aspects of the Mental Health Act 1983.